Choi Sang-mok: "Youth Are the Game Changers in New Industries"

On the 5th, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as Minister of Economy and Finance, met with young representatives from venture startups and stated, "Youth are the game changers in South Korea's new industries. The government will spare no effort in providing comprehensive support across all sectors."

During a luncheon discussion at the Government Complex in Seoul, Acting President Choi and young representatives discussed strategies to respond to economic security challenges and technological supremacy competition in emerging industries. He emphasized, "Crisis and opportunity are two sides of the same coin," and urged for a public-private "one-team" approach beyond mere inter-ministerial cooperation. This remark suggests that the government and businesses should work together to navigate the era of technological dominance, turning economic instability caused by political uncertainties into opportunities.

The luncheon was attended by several startup leaders, including Yoo Min-sang (Executive Director of AutonomusA2Z), Kim Young-jun (CEO of Pablo Air), Cho Nam-seok (CEO of Unmanned Exploration Research Institute), Yoon Ji-won (CEO of SDT), Hwang Kyung-min (CEO of VPIX Medical), Yeom Kyu-ho (CEO of SB BioScience), Lee Soo-ji (CEO of Dively), Shin Dong-joo (CEO of Mobilint), and Min Hwan-gi (CEO of MindsGround).

In addition to the startup representatives, key government officials also participated, including Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Park Sang-woo, Minister of SMEs and Startups Oh Young-joo, Financial Services Commission Chairman Kim Byung-hwan, and Office for Government Policy Coordination Chief Bang Ki-seon.

Before the luncheon, Acting President Choi and the participants toured key products developed by youth-led venture startups, discussing market trends and potential government support measures. The startup representatives requested government support for R&D to bridge technological gaps, the training of skilled professionals, and expanded policy funding.

Ahn Young-Kook (ang@etnews.com)
ETNews (2025.02.05)